Fixed-Point Math in C by Joe Lemieux
Floating-point arithmetic can be expensive if you're using an integer-only processor. But floating-point values can be manipulated as integers, as a less expensive alternative.
Automatic Units Tracking
by Christopher Rettig
The manipulation of measurements in software has been a repeated source of problems for the software community. But this doesn't have to continue. Here are some C++ tips and tricks for tracking, converting, and manipulating data with units.
At Your Service
by Steven A. Stolper
Low-level service software forms the foundation upon which reliable systems are built. Here's a look at some of the design issues and options.
POSIX in Real-Time
by Kevin M. Obenland
Every RTOS has its own proprietary API, but some also support the POSIX standards. Here's a look at the parts of POSIX that apply to real-time systems.
Murphy's Law
Assertiveness Training for Timid Programmers
by Niall Murphy
Concerned about the number of programmers who don't use or know about assert(), Niall explains the macro and how to use it.
Cover Story
Queueing Theory for Dummies by David Kalinsky
How do you size a buffer or message queue?
Queueing theory provides the answer.
Miniature Web Server by Jeremy Bentham
Just how small can a usable HTTP server be?
The answer might surprise you.
Programmer's Toolbox
Ramblin' Jack by Jack W. Crenshaw
Despite making every effort to avoid it, Jack keeps running into new problems with minimization at the heart of the solution.
Programming Pointers
References vs. Pointers by Dan Saks
Knowing how references really differ from pointers should help you decide when to use references and when to stick with pointers.
Spectra
Sympathetic Algorithms by Don Morgan
Controlling a motor without sensors sounds hard, but it can be done. One approach is to run a sympathetic software model of the system.
Break Points
Tools for Clean Code by Jack G. Ganssle
Writing unmaintainable software is easy: simply ignore compiler warnings and keep coding. Writing maintainable software requires discipline.
